The financial police have stopped the operation of an illegal scrap metal collection point in Orsha

The Financial Investigation Department has shut down an illegal scrap metal collection point in Orsha. This was reported by the Department of Financial Investigations (DFR) of the State Control Committee for the Vitebsk Region.

Two citizens of Belarus, acting as a group, organized an illegal scrap metal collection point for ferrous and non-ferrous metals in Orsha with the aim of generating income. In a garage premises, they had been purchasing scrap metal from the public since 2012 without state registration and without a special permit (license) for the procurement (purchase) of scrap ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste.

The "businessmen" sold the recycled materials purchased in this manner to collection points of OJSC "Beltsvetmet", RUP "Vtorchermet", and consumer cooperation organizations, receiving large sums of money for it.

Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly identified violations by these pseudo-procurement agents regarding the procedure for procuring and purchasing scrap ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste. The individuals were brought to administrative responsibility in the form of a fine with confiscation of over 7 tons of scrap metal to state revenue. The Orsha inter-district department of financial investigations put an end to this case by seizing accounting records of scrap metal purchases and scrap metal prepared for shipment during operational activities. It was established that in less than three years, the enterprising citizens received income from illegal activities amounting to over Br360 million.

Based on the results of the verification activities, a criminal case has been initiated against the "black" scrap metal dealers under Part 1 of Article 233 of the Criminal Code. The court will determine the further fate of these enterprising citizens.